Speedball Linoleum Cutter Assortment #1

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Consider the Negative Space: Remember that in lino printing, the areas you carve away will represent the negative space (or the colour of the paper/substrate you print on). Think about how this negative space will interact with your design. Without getting into deep explanations of Pfeil’s naming system (learn more about that in the guide), what I’d recommend starting with is a V cutter, a U cutter, and a wider gouge tool. Depending on the work, you may also want to consider a second V or U cutter. When test printing a design, it is common to use very thin paper such as newsprint. For printing a final piece, it is up to the artist to decide the paper texture and weight that they'd like to print with. If you are creating an edition of prints to sell, it is customary to use a smooth paper of a high quality. These papers are available as single sheets in A2 and A1 sizes in store at Hobbycraft.

If you are a complete (or nearly complete) beginner to linocut, the best choice is probably an all-in-one linocut kit. They are a simple, painless, and often cheap way to get started right away with the craft! Securing the Paper: Reserve some margin space on your paper for taping the edges, which can deter any potential shift during the process. Whether your goal is to craft homemade Christmas cards or delve into lino print art, our step-by-step guide for beginners will set you on the right path. Due to its approachable nature, many artists choose lino printing as their introduction to printmaking. You control the tool by the angle you hold it at. Holding it at a steeper angle makes the cutting edge go deeper. Holding it at a shallow angle brings the cutting edge up. With practice you should be able to carve a continuous line by finding the right angle. If you keep slipping, lift the handle slightly to make a steeper angle.Now you’re prepared to carve the lino. Please note, art-grade lino is easier to work with compared to floor lino. Utilise a Stanley/utility knife or specific lino cutting tools to remove the ‘negative space’ or white areas of your design. Always carve away from yourself when working on your lino print. This helps prevent accidents should the tool slip. It’s prudent to have a first aid kit nearby, just in case. Evaluation: After your trial prints, evaluate the clarity, sharpness, and contrast. Make note of areas that require adjustment or more careful inking next time.

Sweep or vacuum the floor to avoid the inadvertent transfer of dust or fibres onto your lino or paper. Stabilise Your Work: Ensure that both your paper and lino are on a non-slip surface. Holding both securely in place will assist in an accurate transfer. There are different types of lino, some of which are easier to cut when first starting out. EssDee SoftCut sheets are best to begin with as the lino cutting tool will glide more freely. Traditional lino sheets are tougher and may need warming up prior to cutting.

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A baren (or anything smooth you can use to apply pressure, such as a wooden spoon or another, clean brayer) Quantity of Ink: Begin with a minimal amount of ink — roughly the size of your fingertip should suffice for starters. It’s easier to add more ink than to manage an excess. Test Printing: Before committing to your final paper or fabric, do a few test prints on scrap material. This allows you to understand how the ink transfers and if there are any areas of your lino that need further refinement. Lino printing is a form offine art printmakingwhere the printing plate is cut into lino. Yes, lino as in linoleum, as in the floor covering. The lino is then inked, a piece of paper placed over it, and then run through a printing press or pressure applied by hand to transfer the ink to the paper. The result, alinocut print. Because it's a smooth surface, the lino itself doesn't add texture to the print. V cutters are the real workhorses for most linocut artists. They can be used for basic outlines, textures, detail cuts, and more. They also cut equally well on both sides of the blade, making them extremely versatile.

For the final presentation, print your finest works on high-quality printmaking paper. I personally vouch for Zerkall: Mould Made Printmaking Paper, which boasts an extra smooth finish, dimensions of 53x73cm, and a weight of 150gsm, offering exceptional results for hand printing. Maintain a Clean Workspace: Always clean up residual ink and debris post-printing. A clean work area ensures clearer prints. Placing your lino on a non-slip surface like rubber of felt means you don’t have to hold onto it with your non-cutting hand. This will save a lot of energy and arm-ache. You can buy cheap non-slip matting from pound shops. Sharp Tools are Essential: Ensure your cutting tools are always sharp. A dull tool requires more force, making it harder to control and increasing the risk of accidents. Difficulty Carving Fine Details: Struggling with intricate details? Always keep your carving tools sharp and consider softening the lino for easier carving.

Dry the Lino: If you’ve washed or degreased the lino, ensure it’s thoroughly dry before applying ink. Any moisture can interfere with the ink application. Remember to always use the blade away from yourself. Keep your other hand behind the blade, don't cut towards it. Turn the piece of lino around as you're working so your hand holding it down is always behind your hand with the blade in it. They come sharp out of the box and are easy to maintain over years of use. Pfeil carving tools also come with individual handles, so you don’t have to spend time swapping out cutters while you work.

The two crucial things to remember are that you cut away what you don't want to print, and you need to be careful you don't cut your fingers. Before embarking on a lino printing project, ensuring that your workspace is clean, organised, and free from dust and debris is paramount. A well-prepared space not only promotes efficiency and precision but also ensures that your prints remain pristine and unblemished. Below are key steps to adequately prepare your work area for lino printing: Transparency: Using tracing paper can help you visualise how your design will look when it’s reversed, especially important if you’re working with text or directional elements in your design.Brayer Maintenance: Ensure your brayer (roller) is clean before application and rolls smoothly. An uneven or dirty brayer can lead to inconsistent ink application. As with anything new, start with a simple design and get a feel for the technique first. Plan your design using layers of tracing paper, one for each color, before you start cutting. (Remember the paper color too.) When you've recut the lino, do a test print on a separate sheet of paper to ensure the cut is how you want it, before printing onto your actual prints. Clean As You Go: Regularly brushing away the lino shavings helps keep your workspace clear and gives you a better view of your progress.